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Description of 1st Floor (Basement), Waterloo Campus Library

Description follows for blind and partially sighted

The basement floor has the Archives & Special Collections, including the Julia Hendry Reading Room. There are also areas for librarians and library technical services.

Status

Last checked: June 20th, 2025

Entrance and Hallways

  • stair access
  • elevator access (floor is labelled 1st floor)
Long hallway with a hallway door kept open during library hours.
  • The Archives & Special Collections is at the end of the hallway
Two traditional multi-user washrooms and single-user washroom with features for users with disabilities, and available to all
  • Two traditional multi-use washrooms
    • Laurier supports everyone's right to choose a washroom that aligns with their gender identity
  • Single-user washroom with more accessibility features; people without disabilities are welcomed to use

Archives and Special Collections

University libraries often have archives and special collections departments. They collect rare and historically significant materials. Researchers from around the world will travel to university archives to do primary-source research.

History classes may come to the archive for a class. However, anyone is welcome to come on their own. Ask to feel the cover of a 15th century hymnal or vellum that was used in ancient books.

Laurier Archives and Special Collections acquires, preserves, and makes accessible archives and rare books of enduring value. Researchers from Laurier and beyond use archives and rare books to conduct primary-source research. Laurier Archives and Special Collections is open to students, staff, faculty, and the public. 

Description follows for blind and partially sighted

These holdings must be used in the Julia Hendry Archives Reading Room.

Table on wheels, chairs with arm rests, electronic outlet 1 foot above floor. An observation window allows staff to see into the reading room to ensure patrons are using materials properly

The following devices are available in this reading room

  • Microfilm reader
  • Overhead scanner
  • Electrical outlets
Tables on wheels, with four chairs with armrests around each. A micofilm reader and digital book scanner on a long table

To protect our unique archives and rare books, the space has a few more security precautions than other parts of the library:

  • Lockers outside to hold bags, coats, and other personal belongings
  • No pens, markers, or highlighters allowed in the reading room
  • No food or drink allowed
  • Large window between archival staff area and the reading room
Hallway with a set of lockers and entrance to the reading room, Braille door sign, L122

Department Heads and Librarians Offices

  • Head of Information Resources
  • Head of Digital Initiatives
  • Head of Archives and Special Collections
  • Metadata and Cataloging Librarians office

Library Technical Services Areas

  • Various areas for library technical staff
  • Student employee room

Amenities

  • Single user, all gender washroom with accessibility features (example from main floor)
  • Two multi-user, gender specific washrooms. Users can use the washroom that aligns with their gender identity
  • Water-fountain 

Other Spaces

  • Shipping and receiving

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Page Owner: Mark Weiler

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